A short while ago I was virtually hanging out with the Shmata Queen. We engaged in a discussion regarding the latest post over at Treppenwitz which discussed the irresponsible behavior of parents who do not use car seats for their babies and the issues surrounding it one of which is the question of faith in G-d.
Dave made a comment about this that resonated with me when he said:
“What I was trying to say is that we can’t place all responsibility for our safety in His hands… we have to take prudent measures to safeguard ourselves and our children.”
This is an issue that has always bothered me. It is one thing to say that you are going to trust G-d to provide for you and it is another to engage in activities that force the issue.
I have a hard time believing that people can be so stupid. The G-d that I believe in is one that believes in being proactive. That means that you can and should take steps to protect yourselves and your families. You work so that you can provide, shelter, clothing, food, healthcare to protect your family. You don’t jump in front of a bus and hope that a mighty hand stops the bus or shields you from harm.
When you do not take the proper measures to protect yourself and your family you are not being noble, you are being selfish. You are trusting society to take care of you. You can try and call this “care” acts of “divine providence” but the reality is that you are asking people to take on a burden that they should not have to.
It is one thing for an accident to happen when you are prepared. Things do happen, it is another when you have done nothing to protect yourself and allow things to happen to you. Be accountable for your actions and be responsible.
Q,
I think that it is just plain irresponsible to do that. Good comment.
I am reminded of one of the temptations of Jesus:
The devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “He will give his angels charge of you,” and “On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
Jesus said to him, Again it is written, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Application: it is presumptuous to put yourself (or your children) in harm’s way and expect God to come to the rescue.
Q
I’ve been told that even in the early 1980s, carseats were recommended but not required for ages/weights required today.